Hundreds of people have died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat, with many of the deceased coming from Egypt. The BBC visited a community in Egypt that has lost over 20 people during this year’s pilgrimage, shedding light on the challenges faced by pilgrims from impoverished backgrounds.
Effendiya, a 70-year-old mother from Egypt, sold her jewelry to fund her trip to Mecca, fulfilling her lifelong dream of performing Hajj. Unfortunately, she passed away while carrying out her religious duties. Effendiya, like many others, traveled to Mecca on a tourist visa rather than an official Hajj permit, as obtaining the latter can be expensive and complicated.
The official Hajj process in Egypt can cost around $6,000 per person, a price that many cannot afford. Effendiya’s trip was arranged by a local broker who promised a luxurious experience but failed to deliver on those promises. On Arafat Day, pilgrims were left stranded 12km away from Mount Arafat and had to walk the rest of the way, enduring extreme heat without proper facilities.
Effendiya’s family blames the local brokers for neglecting the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, leaving them exposed to harsh conditions. Unregistered pilgrims like Effendiya did not have access to air-conditioned tents, transportation between sites, or medical care, leading to tragic consequences.
The Egyptian authorities are struggling to determine the exact number of casualties among unregistered pilgrims, complicating efforts to inform families and identify the deceased. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has pledged to investigate the tour companies involved in sending unregistered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Effendiya’s family is devastated by her passing, with her daughter Manal expressing fear and longing for her mother’s presence. Despite the tragic circumstances, they find solace in the fact that Effendiya was buried in Mecca, fulfilling her wish to die and be laid to rest in the holy city.
The story of Effendiya and other pilgrims highlights the challenges faced by those embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj, especially when coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, regardless of their financial means or circumstances.
